RAD-140 (Testolone) is a nonsteroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) developed to provide anabolic benefits of testosterone with reduced androgenic risks. Preclinical findings suggest potent anabolic effects on skeletal muscle and bone, neuroprotective activity, and less stimulation of reproductive tissues compared to testosterone. This review outlines its pharmacology, research findings, experimental dosing ranges, safety considerations, and includes a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section.
- Introduction
Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are experimental compounds that activate androgen receptors in a tissue-selective manner. RAD-140 is among the strongest SARMs studied, offering muscle- and bone-specific effects without conversion to estrogen or strong activity in the prostate. While not FDA-approved, it has attracted research attention for potential use in muscle wasting, osteoporosis, and age-related decline.
- Mechanism of Action
Androgen receptor binding: Strong affinity for androgen receptors in muscle and bone.
Tissue selectivity: Promotes anabolic effects while minimizing stimulation of reproductive tissues.
Neuroprotection: Preclinical data suggest potential protective effects on neurons, possibly relevant to cognitive health research.
- Research Findings
3.1 Muscle and strength
Demonstrated robust lean mass gains and strength increases in animal studies.
Considered one of the most anabolic SARMs tested to date.
3.2 Bone density
SARMs like RAD-140 are investigated as alternatives to anabolic steroids in osteoporosis models due to anabolic action on bone tissue.
3.3 Brain health
Early studies suggest neuroprotective effects against amyloid toxicity, relevant to neurodegenerative disease research.
3.4 Hormonal selectivity
Compared to testosterone, RAD-140 showed reduced stimulation of the prostate in rodent studies.
- Typical Experimental Dosing
⚠️ Disclaimer: Dosing information reflects research contexts only, not approved medical use.
Animal studies: 0.01–0.1 mg/kg body weight orally.
Non-clinical human research reports: 10–30 mg/day orally, often studied over 6–12 weeks.
Stacking protocols: Frequently combined with other SARMs (e.g., LGD-4033) in research but not standardized.
- Safety & Limitations
Suppression: Evidence suggests dose-dependent suppression of natural testosterone.
Reported side effects (anecdotal): fatigue, irritability, altered liver enzymes, lipid imbalances.
Long-term safety: No published human long-term studies; unknown risk profile.
Regulation: Listed as a prohibited substance by WADA. Not FDA-approved; classified as a research chemical.
- Conclusion
RAD-140 exhibits strong anabolic activity with reduced androgenic effects relative to testosterone. Research points to potential applications in muscle wasting, osteoporosis, and neuroprotection. However, absence of human clinical trials and regulatory approval limits its role strictly to experimental research at present.
- References (sample)
Dalton JT, et al. (2013). Nonsteroidal SARMs: tissue-selective anabolic activity. Endocr Rev.
Jayaraman A, et al. (2014). Selective androgen receptor modulators as function promoting therapies. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care.
Kannan A, et al. (2019). RAD-140 protects hippocampal neurons. Neurotherapeutics.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is RAD-140?
A: RAD-140 (Testolone) is an experimental selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) being studied for muscle and bone health, with potential neuroprotective effects.
Q2: Is RAD-140 the strongest SARM?
A: Preclinical research suggests RAD-140 is among the most anabolic SARMs, showing muscle gains comparable to or greater than LGD-4033 in animal studies.
Q3: How is RAD-140 different from testosterone?
A: Unlike testosterone, RAD-140 is nonsteroidal, does not convert to estrogen, and shows greater tissue selectivity (favoring muscle and bone with less prostate stimulation).
Q4: What doses are used in research?
A: Animal studies used 0.01–0.1 mg/kg, while non-clinical human research often reports 10–30 mg/day orally. These are not medical guidelines—RAD-140 is not FDA-approved.
Q5: Does RAD-140 suppress natural testosterone?
A: Yes. Like anabolic steroids, RAD-140 suppresses endogenous testosterone in a dose-dependent manner, with suppression noted in preclinical and anecdotal human reports.
Q6: What are the side effects?
A: Potential effects include fatigue, changes in mood, altered liver enzymes, lipid imbalances, and hormone suppression. Long-term effects remain unknown.
Q7: Is RAD-140 safe?
A: Human safety is not established. No long-term clinical trials exist, and it remains experimental.
Q8: Is RAD-140 legal?
A: It is not FDA-approved for human use. Classified as a research chemical and listed as prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
⚠️ Note: All information is for educational and research purposes only.
